Updated December 1, 2023

As of December 1 – total donations received are $24,394.85, qualifying for a $5,000 match from an anonymous donor bringing total donations to $29,394.85.

Thank you for your support!

Updated September 19, 2023

City of Perry 8/11/2023 tornado damage clean-up expenses related to priority safety:
These items are necessary for the safety of our community and have no insurable value. 

Sidewalks Status: Complete (original expense per C2AE) $20,000.  Cost reduced by DPW clearing, preps, set forms etc. (can be funded by street funds using non-motorized vehicle designated funds) ……..…..$10,000

Standing Tree Removal Status: Complete damaged and unsafe…………….………….……. $5,000

Stump/Root removal Status: Complete ………………………………………………………….…………$7,500

Tree Debris hauling removal Status: Complete ……………………………………………..…………$14,750

Storage Containers Status: Complete purchase for DPW equipment…………………………. $6,800
(can these be covered by insurance?)
Emergency labor & equipment Status: Complete night of/day after tornado …………….  $1,635

Total of Priority Safety Issues………………………………………………………………..……………… $45,685

City of Perry 8/11/2023 tornado damage clean-up expenses not of safety concern:
These items are necessary to complete the clean-up of our community and have no insurable value. 

Tree Debris Grinding & removal Status: Incomplete ……………………………………………… $30,000

This has been removed from the priority list so more evaluation of options can be done. Looking into renting equipment for the City DPW to do the work; however, this would take them from their daily tasks.

City of Perry 8/11/2023 tornado damage clean-up expenses underinsured related expenses:
These items are necessary for the restoration of our DPW operations, but did not have full replacement value. 

DPW Barn Rebuild Status: Incomplete …………………………………………….……………… $120,000

Three DPW barns that housed equipment and road salt were insured, two at cash value and one at replacement cost. That space will need to be replaced with a new building.  For now, the equipment is being stored on site in secure temporary storage units. The goal is to build in the spring of 2024 and to do so within the scope of funds that are available.

Total of Expected Expenses Related to Storm Damage & Restoration:  ………….… $195,685

Before insurance, storm related expenses total approximately $500,000 to clean up and restore damage in the city to trees and sidewalks, city owned property (DPW barns & their contents, pavilion, flagpoles, city hall gutter & down spouts, & other misc. damage, service expenses etc.).  It is estimated that insurance will cover about $300,000, leaving the previously indicated $205,000 in uninsured expenses to be paid with city funds.

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The City’s General Fund (surplus from prior year budgets) can cover the roughly $50,000 with approved budget amendments.  Expecting the general fund to solely support all recovery efforts beyond that may impact our ability to properly fund future larger improvement projects or emergency’s. As recommended by the Deputy State Director of Emergency Management we will apply for legislative appropriation/grant funds to cover the cost of debris grinding/removal and expenses related to underinsured DPW facilities.  Senator Sam Singh has offered to have his office assist with finding and applying for those funds.

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All donations and insurance money will be deposited in a newly created general ledger account within the general fund earmarked specifically for Natural Disaster recovery.  The money will be used only for clean-up and restoration of the damages from this natural disaster.  An Anonymous donor has generously offered to provide a 50% match on all donations received between September 22 and December 1st – total match not to exceed $5,000.  

Restoration Updates

The Veterans Memorial Pavilion was insured at replacement value. Planning for the replacement of this facility is underway and anticipated to be done in the spring of 2024 – pending contractor availability.

Items on city property such as light poles, flag poles, and the tornado siren were insured and planning for restoration and/or improvements are in progress.

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On August 11, 2023 the City of Perry suffered damages from an F-1 tornado. Many beautiful old trees were shattered or uprooted causing extensive damage to sidewalks and homes. There were several power poles sheared off and power-lines became tangled in the tree debris adding an extra element of danger to clean up efforts.

Even though the city’s DPW suffered destruction at 3 of the 4 buildings housing city equipment, they worked tirelessly clearing the streets, removing trees, cleaning up debris and making the city as safe as possible. To date the estimated expense for clean-up and restoration of tornado damage, NOT covered by insurance, exceeds $205,000. Since cleanup efforts are still in progress this total is expected to increase.

Some restoration will have to be scheduled in the future due to lack of funding. The expenses related to clean-up will have to be paid as services are provided since the city must contract with companies that have special equipment capable of removing the large amount of debris from damaged and uprooted trees.

The city had applied for Emergency Financial Aid from the State of Michigan, but was notified on Sept. 12 that the city will NOT be receiving any emergency relief funds as our request for assistance has been denied.

Donations to support expenses not covered by insurance would help to reduce the burden on the General Fund. Donations can be made to “City of Perry – Natural Disaster” and mailed to City Hall, 203 W. Polly St., Perry, MI  48872.

Questions can be directed to Mayor Sue Hammond at (517) 625-6155 or email shammond@perry.mi.us.

Posted: Sept. 13, 2023